Job Description

Overview of the Role

The

Commissioning Officer

will support the Children's Commissioning Service in improving outcomes for children, young people and families across the city. The role contributes to all stages of the commissioning cycle --

Analyse, Plan, Do, Review

-- ensuring evidence-based service delivery and value for money.

The post holder will work across a range of commissioning projects, manage delegated tasks, maintain strong provider and stakeholder relationships, and ensure high standards of contract compliance, quality assurance and service delivery.

This role involves partnership working with internal teams, external providers, and key agencies across health, housing, education and social care.

2. Key Responsibilities Commissioning & Contract Management

Contribute to the delivery of strategic commissioning priorities for the Trust and its partners. Deliver delegated commissioning tasks including contract management, service planning and policy work. Assist in the coordination and delivery of jointly commissioned services across health, housing and social care sectors. Undertake quality assurance checks, including provider visits, to ensure compliance with standards, regulations and inspection frameworks. Utilise contract management tools to ensure timely, accurate and complete data.

Project & Service Development

Take responsibility for work packages within project teams as directed by Commissioning Managers. Collect and analyse data to support commissioning decisions, performance management and statutory returns. Assist in the development of service specifications with stakeholders, including service users. Support the implementation of statutory procedures such as complaints, FOIs and Subject Access Requests.

Stakeholder Engagement

Maintain positive relationships with providers, internal teams, partners and external organisations. Prepare correspondence, reports and briefings relating to commissioning activities. Support service user engagement and involvement within commissioning processes. Promote safeguarding and ensure appropriate, timely action to protect vulnerable individuals.

Operational Delivery

Produce high-quality written work that is compliant with professional and regulatory standards. Provide constructive feedback to suppliers and support contract award processes. Identify financial or operational risks, escalating concerns where needed. Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure effective cross-departmental working.

3. Safeguarding & Compliance

This role requires an

Enhanced DBS Check

. The post holder must work in line with safeguarding legislation and Trust policies. Must maintain confidentiality and professional integrity at all times.

4. Supervision

Reports to:

Commissioning Management Team / Commissioning Manager

Works independently within guidelines, with scheduled supervision.

5. Person Specification Qualifications

Commissioning or Procurement qualifications (e.g., CIPS)

desirable but not essential

. Commitment to ongoing professional development --

essential

.

Experience

Understanding of commissioning, policy development and collaborative working. Experience in developing strategies, service specifications and outcome-focused plans. Experience producing high-quality reports, briefs and bid submissions. Experience building productive relationships with suppliers and service providers. Ability to engage with Service User groups and understand their needs. Experience supporting contract award and providing feedback to suppliers. Understanding of commercial awareness in commissioning activities.

Skills & Competencies

Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills. Good analytical skills (numerical and contextual). Ability to understand value for money and budget considerations. Understanding of outputs, outcomes and service impact for children and families. Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and the role of regulators. Ability to work with contract management systems and interpret provider data. Able to work collaboratively and maintain positive stakeholder relationships. Confident spoken English (as required by Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016).
Job Type: Temporary
Contract length: 3 months

Pay: 18.09-23.45 per hour

Expected hours: 36 per week

Work Location: In person